Wildfire Season is Upon Us
As June Sets in, So Does Wildfire Season
The County’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan assists residents and first responders protect lives, property, and the environment.
As June sets in, so does Wildfire Season. In California, fire season typically rages from June or July through late October or November, making preparedness essential. In the County of Lake, wildfires are a harsh and unrelenting reality. Almost 70% of the land in the county has had terrible wildfires since 2015. These fires have caused a lot of damage in many different ways to the people, animals, air, and water in the county.
From the loss of human and animal lives to the compromised air and water quality, the consequences of wildfires in the County of Lake have been far-reaching and profound. Houses and buildings have been turned to ash, lives have changed forever, and the memories of having to leave homes quickly because of fires are traumatic for many.
There are, however, sparks of hope amid the devastation. Since 2021 — and completed in 2023 — the County of Lake’s comprehensive Community Wildfire Protection Plan reflects community input on actions and projects that will assist not only local residents, but also first responders in their efforts to protect lives, property, and the environment.
Additionally, descendants of the original peoples, along with trained professionals, are reviving age-old traditions of prescribed and cultural burning. Through collaborative efforts with researchers, landowners, and governmental bodies, they are reintroducing "good fire" to the landscape, fostering fire-resilient ecosystems and nurturing native habitats back to health.
In the face of escalating fire risks, it is imperative for Lake County residents to take proactive measures to safeguard their homes and families.
Visit ready.lakecountyca.gov (https://lakecountyca.gov/927/Lake-Co-Ready) to obtain preparedness, response and recovery information.
Here are five crucial steps to enhance wildfire awareness and disaster preparedness:
1. Keep Space Safe: Make sure to clear space around houses to stop fires from spreading easily.
2. Have an Emergency Plan: Developing a comprehensive evacuation plan is essential for ensuring the safety of your family during a wildfire. Make sure all family members are familiar with the procedures and know where to meet in case of a swift evacuation.
3. Stay Informed: Stay abreast of local news and alerts regarding fire conditions in your area. Signing up for text message alerts from authorities like CAL FIRE can provide timely updates on fire incidents and evacuation orders.
4. Adhere to Burn Bans: Stay vigilant about burn ban regulations and guidelines in your area. Avoid activities that could inadvertently spark fires, especially during periods of high fire danger. Complying with burn bans is crucial for preventing accidental fires and protecting the community.
5. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit containing essential items like water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid supplies, important documents, and clothing. Having a well-stocked emergency kit can ensure you are prepared to cope with the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
By collaborating to safeguard the environment and boost disaster preparedness, County of Lake residents can significantly improve their readiness for wildfires and other emergencies. We can move our communities towards a future where fires have manageable impact, ensuring the safety and well-being of all.